Youth Engagement and Participation Officer

EPIC, Empowering People in Care, is the only independent, national organisation that works exclusively with, and for, children and young people in the care of the state. EPIC aims to advance the rights and best interests of children and young people in the care system by advocating on their behalf, providing information and advice, developing opportunities for their participation in public engagement and campaigns work, and delivering policy and research to inform and improve national standards and practice. All of EPIC’s work is grounded in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, specifically Article 12, which governs the child’s right to be heard and to participate in decisions that affect them.

The provision of a youth engagement and participation programme for separated children seeking international protection, particularly Ukrainian children and young people in receipt of temporary protection, being cared for by Tusla.

This role will involve working closely with EPIC’s Youth Engagement and Participation (YEP) team, Tusla staff, and unaccompanied minor youth in the West and Northwest of Ireland to develop and support youth engagement and participation opportunities. The YEP Officer for Separated Children Seeking International Protection will deliver outreach, help develop pathways to local services and activities, engage children and young people, and support them to come together creatively and build a positive, supportive care community.

• Ongoing consultation with children and young people to inform bespoke YEP programmes, activities and opportunities for participation.
• Work with local organisations and networks to ensure that separated children and young people in these regions have knowledge of opportunities and services at local level.
• Support the integration of young people with the wider care-experienced community engaged in EPIC’s YEP programme.
• Deliver targeted youth work programmes through YEP’s model of engagement using outreach, online platforms and a flexible approach.
• Deliver planned programmes for the purpose of aiding integration and enhancing the personal and social development of children and young people through their voluntary participation, such as Gáisce or Leadership for Life.
• Reporting to Tusla on the progress and outcomes of the programme on a bi-annual basis.

• Work in close collaboration with the YEP team to design and implement new programmes.
• Deliver information sessions on EPIC’s Advocacy Service and EPIC’s other areas of work.
• Develop and support opportunities to participate and engage in individual and group projects.
• Contribute to the recruitment and support of EPIC Youth Council members.
• Network and establish strong relationships within the youth and community sector, and other services and NGOs in the migration space.
• Collaborate with other EPIC teams and departments as needed.
• Collate data on youth participation and engagement.
• Participate as part of the EPIC team ensuring the values of the organisation are always upheld.
• Provide spaces for young people to connect and share experiences

• Participate in team meetings, online and in-person, and provide updates as required.
• Participate in regular supervision with your line manager.
• Be vigilant to any child protection risks, health and safety risks, and data protection risks in the workplace and bring any concerns to designated officers and/or your line-manager.
• Undertake other duties as may be required to meet organisational objectives.

*Candidates must have a strong interest in how youth engagement and empowerment advance social and political change.

• Third level qualification in a relevant area such as Youth Work, Community Development, or equivalent.
• A minimum of three years’ experience working directly with children and young people in youth work /participation/community engagement or similar roles.
• Experience of working with and engaging children and young people who are seldom heard.
• Knowledge and understanding of child and youth participation theories and methodologies.
• Experience of multi-agency working within community settings.
• Experience of project/programme development.
• Excellent facilitation and written communications skills and an ability to write for and communicate with a variety of audiences including children and young people.
• Proficient IT skills and ability to adapt to new digital tools quickly.
• A full clean driving licence and access to a vehicle

• Familiar with children’s rights, the Irish care system, and international protection system.
• Knowledge of education, mental health and related youth concerns.
• Experience of working with children and young people from diverse experiences and backgrounds.

• Commitment to the values and mission of EPIC.
• Collaborative working style and comfortable working on own initiative as a lone worker and as a member of a busy team.
• Flexible and adaptable to changes and meeting the needs of children and young people.
• Ability to take ownership and manage workload to meet deadlines.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and keeping up to date on best practice within the child and youth sector.
• Commitment to and understanding of a working environment that promotes equal opportunities and has regard for race and ethnicity, culture, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity, and equality.

EPIC, Empowering People in Care, believes in the value of a diverse workforce and encourages applications from people from all ethnic, cultural, religious, and social backgrounds: in particular, Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic and LGBTIQ+ people. We also welcome candidates with care experience. We are trying to build a more diverse and representative workplace and environment.

The job description attached does not define all responsibilities within the role but offers a detailed overview of the role. It is envisaged that the post-holder will be flexible in using their own initiative to develop the role in line with the objectives and mission of EPIC and the needs of the children and young people they will be working with.

• This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), with a six-month probationary period.
• Annual leave entitlement of 25 day per annum – in addition to annual leave, the office is closed for one day at Easter and three days at Christmas.
• Participation in the company pension scheme is matched by a 5% Employer contribution on completion of the probationary period.
• This role will be flexible in line with EPIC’s current hybrid working model – requiring some office-based work and some remote work – within the working hours of the organisation.
• This post will involve travel within Ireland and occasional evening and weekend work. Travel expenses and additional hours will be compensated in accordance with EPIC’s Mileage and TOIL Policies.
• The post holder will undertake training on Children First (Tusla e-learning programme) and abide at all times by this and by EPIC’s policies on child protection and welfare.
• All roles within EPIC are subject to Garda Vetting.

To apply please send your resume and a cover letter.